July 17, 2026

Klamath Basin News, Friday, 7/17/2026 – Smoky Skies Cover Basin As Heatwave Continues; Missing Teen Suspected To Be in Klamath Area; Wildfires Intensify Across Oregon; Oregon Parks Forever Joins the National Park Foundation Reauthorizing America the Beautiful Act


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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

Klamath Basin Weather

Air Quality Alert…poor air quality continues in the basin today.

Red flag warning until 8PM tonight.

Today
Areas of patchy smoke before 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest winds 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon… could gust as high as 21 mph.

Saturday
Areas of smoke before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.

Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 89.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 92.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 92.

 

Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines

Missing child alert – Stella Rose Dolton is missing and is believed to be in danger 

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Stella Rose Dolton, age 15 who went missing from Klamath Falls on July 16, 2026. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Stella Rose Dolton and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Stella.

Stella is suspected to be in Klamath Falls area.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Child Legal Name: Stella Dolton

Child Preferred Name: Clay Dolton

Pronouns: she/they

Age: 15

Height: 5’2

Weight: 147 pounds

Hair color: brown hair/shoulder length

Eye color: greenish/blue

Specific Identifying Characteristics: green pants with a black shirt

Law enforcement agency name and report #: Klamath Falls Police Department  202607160050

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2095475

Date Missing: July 16, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Klamath Falls/Medford Area

 

Wildfire smoke from the East Evans Creek Fire is affecting several communities in southern Oregon including the Klamath Basin.


Smoky skies have taken over the Klamath Basin from the East Evans Creek wildfire burning over the hill in Jackson County.

According to Jackson County Public Health, the concentration of smoke can fluctuate rapidly due to varying weather conditions, including changes in wind direction and the volume of smoke generated by the fire. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor local air quality using resources such as airnow.gov. The smoke produced by wildfires contains a variety of air pollutants that pose health risks, potentially causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

Additionally, exposure can lead to inflammation, disrupt immune function, worsen existing heart and lung conditions, and heighten the risk of respiratory infections. Certain groups, including the elderly, children, individuals with chronic health issues like asthma and diabetes, outdoor workers, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds who may have limited access to healthcare, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of wildfire smoke.

 

During the summer break, new Superintendent Melissa Cole of the Klamath County School District is diligently preparing for the upcoming academic year.

In her initial month, she is engaging with community members and educators to better understand her responsibilities and how to effectively serve the district.

Her predecessor, Glen Szymoniak, retired on June 30 after a distinguished career spanning over 40 years, including 18 years as superintendent, during which the district achieved a record high four-year on-time graduation rate of 86.7% in 2025. Cole plans to spend the next month analyzing student performance data to identify areas for improvement, emphasizing her commitment to listening and learning at this early stage.

 

With this already challenging fire season, Klamath County Fire District 1 has focused on training to identify unconventional water sources for firefighting.

Given that much of the district’s area is rural, fire crews often encounter a lack of accessible hydrants at emergency sites, necessitating innovative solutions. Potential water sources include irrigation canals, ditches, cisterns, ponds, and agricultural irrigation systems, as noted by the fire district.

During training exercises, the crew successfully employed an agricultural irrigation system, typically used for watering crops and livestock, by testing and utilizing adapters to convert it into a dependable water supply, thereby enhancing their firefighting capabilities.

 

Healthy Klamath marked the opening of its new location in downtown Klamath Falls on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Leaders of the organization believe that this relocation will enhance its visibility, accessibility, and connection to the community it has diligently served for over a decade. The initiative was born out of a recognition that Klamath County consistently ranked among the least healthy counties in Oregon, as reported by the annual County Health Rankings from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

This prompted community leaders to realize that improving health necessitated a collaborative approach that extended beyond traditional healthcare settings. Consequently, Healthy Klamath was officially established in 2012, with the responsibility of coordinating the triennial Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan.

This plan identifies the county’s most urgent health challenges and sets priorities for action, focusing on areas such as increasing physical activity, enhancing nutrition, reducing chronic diseases, expanding behavioral health services, preventing substance misuse, improving healthcare access, and addressing social determinants of health.

 

During a recent meeting, Ross Ragland Board President Paul Stewart urged the Klamath County Board of Commissioners to consider placing a funding measure on the November ballot to secure financial support for the theater, which he described as being “on the ropes” and nearing closure.

In response, the commissioners requested that the theater present a detailed ballot measure at their upcoming meeting on July 14, allowing them sufficient time to evaluate the proposal before their recess at the end of the month.

Commissioner Derrick DeGroot expressed his willingness to collaborate with theater representatives to facilitate this process, noting that the deadline for submitting ballot titles is August 14.

The theater is currently investigating two potential avenues to raise a minimum of $250,000: establishing an arts tax district or increasing the transient room tax. The funds generated would be allocated to cover essential expenses such as the theater’s mortgage, utilities, and insurance.

Additionally, officials have suggested implementing a five-year sunset for the arts tax district, which they believe would provide an opportunity to bolster the Ragland Rife Foundation endowment and ultimately enable the foundation to sustain the theater’s funding in the future.

 

Free worker safety, health trainings arriving in rural Oregon communities including Klamath Falls in August

Free worker safety and health training workshops will be available thanks to a partnership between the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) and the Oregon Employment Department.

The training workshops – designed for those in the workforce and people seeking work – will show people how to protect themselves at work from the four hazards that pose the greatest risk of death in the construction industry: falls, caught in or between, struck-by, and electrocution. In addition to the “focus four” training, the workshops will address heat-illness prevention, workers’ rights and whistleblower protections, and information for workers and employers in small businesses. The four-hour workshops will feature certificates of completion and continuing education credits.

The training workshops – presented by Oregon OSHA staff members – will be held at WorkSource Oregon centers including August 11th, in Klamath Falls.

To register for a training workshop and location, go to: https://dcbs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Z8yoLuhb8kh4DI

Those who have questions or who want more information about the workshops and locations may contact Greig Lowell, consultation and outreach manager for Oregon OSHA: greig.k.lowell@dcbs.oregon.gov or 971-352-1181.  The training workshops stem from a $200,000 grant that Oregon OSHA secured in September 2025 to increase workplace safety and health training in rural communities. 

 

Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company Members Approve Stores Merger

Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have announced a milestone moment for both cooperatives: members of each organization have voted to approve their proposed merger. Grange Co-op will be the continuing organization going forward, with Farm Supply Company’s operations becoming part of Grange Co-op as the two cooperatives unite.

“We’re grateful for the trust our members placed in us with this vote,” said Neil Itzen, CEO of Grange Co-op. “Grange Co-op and Farm Supply Company have always shared the same commitment to the farmers, ranchers, and communities we serve, and this merger lets us build on that commitment at a greater scale. We’re proud to carry forward more than a century and a half of service, together.”

Mr. Itzen will lead the combined organization going forward, providing continuity in leadership as the two cooperatives come together. The merger unites Grange Co-op’s eight retail locations (six in Oregon and two in Northern California) with Farm Supply Company’s network of stores based in San Luis Obispo, California, growing the combined cooperative’s footprint by five additional stores. Together, the two organizations bring more than 160 years of combined service to agricultural communities in Oregon and California and will employ approximately 460 people across both states.

The combined cooperative expects to benefit from increased purchasing power, improved product availability, and stronger supplier relationships as a result of greater scale.

“Farm Supply has spent decades earning the trust of the growers and ranchers we serve, and our members and Grange Co-op’s members reached the same conclusion independently: this partnership makes us stronger for the long run,” said Michael Mendes, CEO of Farm Supply Company. “I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to vote and to everyone who helped get us to this point.”

The merger is expected to become effective October 1, 2026. In the months ahead, the two organizations will work through the final steps to bring the cooperatives together, and members can expect to hear more as that work progresses. The combined cooperative will operate under a unified governance structure designed to support continued growth while preserving the member-owned, cooperative model both organizations were built on.

About Grange Co-op: Grange Co-op has served the region since 1934. With retail locations in
Oregon and California, the cooperative offers pet supplies, clothing, lawn and garden products,
nursery items, agricultural supplies, and farm products, and aims to provide knowledgeable,
friendly customer service alongside competitive pricing and quality products.

 

The Oregon Tech Foundation has been awarded a grant of $142,000 from the Roundhouse Foundation, aimed at enhancing the dental clinic equipment and introducing a new 3D mammography unit for the university’s dental hygiene and medical imaging programs.

This funding will specifically bolster the dental hygiene program by supplying prophylaxis handpieces for clinic chairs and three intraoral cameras at the Klamath Falls and Salem clinics, thereby improving student learning, diagnostic capabilities, communication, and overall patient care.

Additionally, the introduction of the 3D mammography unit, the first of its kind at Oregon Tech, will provide invaluable hands-on experience for students in the medical imaging program, covering essential aspects such as mammography positioning, quality control, and FDA reporting requirements, while also contributing to breast cancer awareness initiatives.

 

July Activities for Kids & Teens at the Library

Events for Children Under 12:

Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.  Call the library at 541-882-8894 for more information.

Events Coming Up

Freedom Friday is happening Friday evening in downtown Klamath Falls! The celebration of America’s 250th birthday isn’t over yet. In place of Third Thursday this month, it’s Freedom Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Stroll Main Street, check out local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and bring the whole family out for a fun evening downtown.

Beat the heat Saturday morning at the Klamath Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Browse fresh produce, delicious food, handmade crafts, and unique local goods. Plus, kids and adults alike can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. It’s one of the best ways to spend a summer morning in the Basin.

On Saturday, the Ross Ragland Theater’s Little Sprouts presents Snow White and the Seven Endings—a hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale. Performances are at 2, 3, 5, and 6 p.m., and tickets are just $5. Come out for some family-friendly laughs while supporting these talented young performers at the Ragland.

 

Don’t Miss The Klamath Art Gallery’s 80 Years Celebration!

Around the State of Oregon

Wildfire season is intensifying in Oregon, with more than 2,300 personnel engaged in efforts to combat six significant fires across the state.

The North Cayuse Fire, the most extensive, has consumed over 4,800 acres and is situated 15 miles east of Pendleton, currently being 91 percent contained. In southern Oregon, the East Evans Creek Fire has reached 3,600 acres but is only five percent contained.

Meanwhile, the Salmon and Olive Butte fires, located southwest of Baker City, remain entirely uncontained, with the Olive Butte Fire affecting approximately 1,720 acres and the Salmon Fire exceeding 1,300 acres.

 

 

Oregon is continuing to face significant drought challenges, with nearly two-thirds of its counties affected.

In response to this pressing issue, Governor Tina Kotek announced Drought Emergencies for Curry and Union counties yesterday, increasing the total number of counties under drought declarations in the state to 21 out of 36.

The situation is particularly severe in Union County, where most of the area is classified as experiencing severe drought, while all of Curry County is categorized under moderate drought conditions.

 

Complex Incident Management Team from Oregon Department of Forestry deploys to manage central Oregon wildfires

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is deploying its Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CIMT) to manage multiple central Oregon wildfires in the Prineville and Sisters area. The all ODF-staffed team will coordinate current and additional personnel and equipment assigned to the incidents.

The CIMT will battle the Brewer fire estimated at more than 3,000 acres, the Akawa fire at more than 3,200 acres and the Pilot fire at 100 acres.  The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice for the Brewer fire and a Level 1 and Level 2 notice for the Akawa fire.  For the Pilot fire the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice.  To see more information on the fires and to set up alerts from the counties go to: https://centraloregonfire.org

 The public is urged to avoid these areas due to heavy firefighting traffic and possible road closures.   

The team is scheduled for an in-brief tomorrow at noon and then schedule take over management of the fire at 6 p.m.  The incident command is expected to be in Sisters.

The Brewer fire started yesterday, and the Pilot and Akawa fires ignited today.  All three fires were caused by lightning.   Although there was rain in the area last night and today it was not enough to significantly impact the fires.  Dry fuels on the ground and continued warm weather will contribute to the fires’ intensity making fighting the fires challenging and the need for additional resources including the CIMT. 

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 5.2% in June

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in June. That was unchanged from 5.2% in May, and also matched the 5.2% rate one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in June, which changed little from the prior month as well.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Oregon employers cut 600 jobs from nonfarm payrolls in June. That follows a revised gain of 2,500 jobs in May.

June’s gains were largest in private health care and social assistance (+2,000 jobs). Losses were largest in manufacturing (-1,700 jobs).

Total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 8,500 jobs between June 2025 and June 2026. That’s a loss of 0.4%. Both the private and public sectors lost jobs over the past year. Private-sector employment fell by 5,400 jobs (-0.3%), and government employment declined by 3,100 jobs (-1.0%).

Private health care and social assistance continues to lead job growth in Oregon. The sector added 14,000 jobs over the past year, a gain of 4.5%. Over the past year, growth within the sector was strongest in social assistance (8.6%) and nursing and residential care facilities (5.3 %). Ambulatory health care services (2.6 %) and hospitals (0.5%) also added jobs, but at slower rates.

Manufacturing employment continues to decline in Oregon. Manufacturers lost 10,000 jobs over the past year, a decline of 5.6%. Within manufacturing, employment in durable goods fell by 5,800 jobs (-4.6%). Nondurable goods manufacturing lost 4,200 jobs (-7.7%).

 


Detectives Investigating Rural Central Point Homicide; Suspect in Custody 

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in a rural Central Point residence. The suspect is in custody.

On Wednesday, July 15, at 4:05 AM, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatchers received a call of gunshots heard near the 6000 block of Kershaw Road. JCSO deputies responded and found a man deceased from an apparent gunshot wound inside the residence

Next-of-kin has been notified. The victim is Juan Carlos Ramirez-Arango, 62, of Central Point. JCSO sends our deepest sympathies to Ranirez-Arango’s family and all those affected during this time. 

Evidence collected during the investigation led to the arrest of Pamela Sue Maya, 67, of Central Point. She was in a relationship with the victim. Maya has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held in the Jackson County Jail. 

Ashland Police Department and Jackson County District Attorney’s Office responded to assist. The Oregon State Police Forensics Lab processed the crime scene. There is no further information available for release at this time.

 

UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. (17 July 2026) – On Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 8:27 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle serious injury crash on Interstate 84 eastbound near milepost 207 in Umatilla County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Dodge Durango, operated by Cullen Michael Derr (38) of Battle Ground (WA), was traveling eastbound while towing a custom-built utility trailer when, for unknown reason, it left the roadway.  The vehicle rolled multiple times and caught fire.   

Three occupants were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, including a 24-year-old woman, a 15-year-old male and a 9-month-old male infant.  All four occupants, including Derr, were transported to a local hospital.  Due to the severity of their injuries, the three passengers were later transferred to hospitals in Oregon and Washington for advanced medical care.  

Derr was arrested for DUII, reckless driving, reckless endangering another person (x3), assault 3 (x3), and lodged at the Umatilla County Jail.   

Interstate 84 was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation.   

OSP was assisted by the Pendleton Police Department, Pendleton Fire & Ambulance Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.     

 

Investigation Leads to Indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging Jonathann Uriel Ayala Garcia, 23, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after his involvement in a transnational criminal organization (TCO).

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a Beaverton-based TCO involved in trafficking methamphetamine, firearms, and cocaine. In June 2026, investigators arrested Ayala Garcia after he arrived to sell narcotics. Investigators searched his vehicle and found approximately 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 168.3 grams of heroin.

Ayala Garcia was arraigned in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He pleaded not guilty and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.

If convicted, Ayala Garcia faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $10 million.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The DEA and ATF are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Hermann is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. 

 

Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Prohibited Possession of a Firearm

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national was sentenced to federal prison last Thursday for illegal possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.

Ramon Oscar Morales-Valencia, 47, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. His sentence will run concurrent with his recent Marion County drug possession conviction.

“Illegal possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals fuels gun violence in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Combatting gun violence is a priority, and my office will pursue those who think they are above the law.”

“As if his illegal reentry into the United States was not enough, Morales-Valencia intentionally chose to further break our nation’s laws by illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “The unlawful possession of firearms and narcotics by prohibited individuals poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities, and ATF will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who endanger our citizens.”

According to court documents, Morales-Valencia was formally removed from the United States in 2010. On April 19, 2025, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a traffic stop on an SUV Morales-Valencia was driving. He stopped the SUV and stepped from the vehicle, removing a Ruger 9mm pistol from his waistband and setting it on the driver’s seat. Deputies recovered the firearm as well as methamphetamine from the SUV.

Morales-Valencia pleaded guilty in state court to possession of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 29 months. On September 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Morales-Valencia with alien in possession of a firearm and illegal reentry.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

In 2025, overdose fatalities in Oregon decreased, with preliminary data from the Oregon Health Authority indicating that 1,100 individuals succumbed to drug-related causes.

This marks the second consecutive year of declining deaths following the alarming peak in 2023, when 1,833 lives were lost amid the state’s fentanyl crisis.

Although fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that surged in Oregon in 2020, continues to significantly contribute to overdose deaths, it is no longer the most recent or potent opioid available on American streets.

The emergence of cychlorphine, which has been linked to over 100 deaths nationwide in the past year, highlights the evolving landscape of drug threats, as reported by the Center for Forensic Science and Education. Furthermore, a public safety advisory issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration in May cautioned that cychlorphine, along with a new class of synthetic opioids known as nitazenes, may be combined with fentanyl, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.

 

ODF uses tech to enhance wildfire response 

As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work. During fire season, the agency uses several different types of tech for early detection, prevention, data collection and to support suppression efforts.

Wildfire Detection Cameras

ODF’s wildfire detection cameras play an integral role in the state’s early detection and response on fires. These cameras monitor thousands of acres of land.

The camera systems have software designed to notify the operator when smoke is on the landscape, however, the operator can also spot the smoke before the system notifies them. Using an augmented mapping system, the approximate location of the potential fire is sent to dispatchers, who then relay the information in real-time to responding resources.

The program now consists of 96 operational camera sites.

ODF and fire protection associations continue to work closely with our partners on the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee to enhance relationships across the state and region with organizations that have similar reliance on early fire detection technology to keep fires small, to decrease fire costs and improve the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Multi-Mission Aircraft

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program has proved to be a critical tool in wildfire detection, disaster response, aerial ignitions, resource protection and the ability to deliver supplies.

The MMA program has transformed Oregon’s wildfire detection and response capabilities. Since its launch in 2020, the MMA has detected 149 fires, conducted 7 operational support missions, and completed 17 mapping missions.

The recent strategic investment in the new Twin Otter aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Sensor, Augmented Reality System, Night Vision Systems and an AI-backed mapping scanner demonstrates a commitment operational effectiveness.

The demand for this resource continues to grow year after year, and the agency is proud of its accomplishments and the lessons learned to bring to future missions.

Before you burn

The Before You Burn program offers an innovative online platform that simplifies and coordinates burns, improves overall coordination, and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of our communities.

Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.

Once on the site, or mobile phone application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.

This system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations.

The Oregon Department of Forestry recently implemented use of a new software platform, called FireWeb, to replace a 20-year-old technology platform (known as FIRES) as the database that collects and reports ODF fire incident data and statistics internally. FireWeb is also used as an enhancement to the GIS features of the detection service and is used as a computer-aided dispatch to make resource deployment more efficient.

The FireWeb platform is an improvement from the previous system with web-based, innovative features that now allow ODF to integrate data with federal reporting platforms, and to analyze data in greater detail than ever before.

ODF’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program started in 2017 and has been growing ever since. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, help ODF to detect wildfire, as well as conduct operational mapping, and identify hot spots in dangerous terrain. Most importantly, UAS are used to provide situational awareness to our firefighters to keep them safe.

The maiden mission of ODF’s UAS Program was on the Eagle Creek Fire in Central Oregon. The agency used a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to gain real-time intelligence during periods of low visibility due to smoke. This mission gave the agency confidence in the capability and products that UAS can provide.

We expect the use of the program to continue growing and be integrated into more aspects of ODF’s work.

 

Mosquito pool in Jackson County tests positive for West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNv) has been detected in a mosquito pool collected July 15 in Eagle Point, marking the first time in 2026 that the virus has been detected. 

July, August and September are considered peak months for WNv activity in Jackson County.  The mosquitoes were collected by the Jackson County Vector Control District as part of a routine surveillance program and DNA testing. 

Mosquito pools are traps that hold up to 50 insects. County vector control districts around the state use the pools to collect mosquitoes so they can be tested for mosquito-borne diseases that affect humans and animals, such as birds and horses.  

Residents are urged to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since WNv is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms, especially in people older than 50 with underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Health care providers can contact the Jackson County Health Department for information on WNv testing. 

The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated and farm animals. Horse owners should get their horses vaccinated for WNv. Horses with neurologic disease should be examined by a veterinarian. WNv testing is available at Oregon State University. 

OHA and the Jackson County Vector Control District suggest these steps to protect against mosquitoes: 

  • Eliminate or treat sources of standing water around your home.
  • Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon/eucalyptus, or Picardin  (always follow label directions).
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
  • Ensure that screen doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly. 

West Nile virus is detected every year in Oregon, although mostly in mosquito pools. In 2023, the virus was found in 70 mosquito pools, four horses and 17 people; in 2024, there were 21 West Nile-positive mosquito pools, but no human or animal infections; in 2025, 11 mosquito pools, two horses and two people—both of the human infections were acquired outside Oregon—were infected. 

 

Oregon and Texas spearheaded a lawsuit against Cash App, culminating in a $45 million settlement that will benefit 46 states.

The legal action claimed that Block Inc, the parent company of the widely used peer-to-peer payment application, misrepresented the safety of its program and failed to provide adequate fraud protection as mandated by law.

Both Oregon and Texas will persist in overseeing the company’s compliance with the stipulations of a separate $75 million settlement.

 

HOOD RIVER COUNTY, Ore. (16 July 2026) – On July 15, 2026, the Oregon State Police arrested a driver who entered a closed Interstate 84 off-ramp earlier in the day and struck two Oregon Department of Transportation workers before leaving the scene. 

At approximately 4:10 a.m., ODOT had closed the Exit 64 eastbound off-ramp in Hood River while crews worked to remove a crashed commercial motor vehicle and its trailer. Despite the closure, the driver of a white Porsche entered the off-ramp and told workers he needed to take the exit to get to work.

As the Porsche drove through the closure, it struck two ODOT workers who were staffing the area. Neither worker was injured, and both declined medical treatment.

The driver, Gregory Adam Polanski, 43, of Hood River, left before law enforcement arrived.

At approximately 5:46 p.m., OSP troopers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Polanski was arrested and booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) for reckless driving, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, and recklessly endangering highway workers.

OSP reminds motorists that highway work zones are in place to protect both workers and the traveling public. Drivers are required to obey traffic control devices, road closures, and directions from roadway workers.

 

Oregon Parks Forever Joins the National Park Foundation, National Park Friends Alliance, and 160 Park Partner Groups in Urging Congress to Reauthorize the America the Beautiful Act

Oregon Parks Forever has joined the National Park Foundation,  the National Park Friends Alliance and 160 park philanthropic partners in a letter urging Congress to pass the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act (S.1547 / H.R.9250) to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF)—a critical U.S. government fund dedicated to the stewardship and maintenance of America’s greatest treasures.

The LRF is meant to address deferred maintenance backlogs affecting national parks, wildlife refuges, and other public lands managed by federal agencies.

Reauthorizing the LRF would increase the amount of money available to fix crumbling infrastructure, repair trails, and ensure that public lands remain safe and accessible, to between $1.9 Billion to $2.0 Billion annually and would extend the fund availability through 2033.

The letter, addressed to Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries, highlights the successes of the LRF since its creation under the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, and the urgent need for reauthorization following its expiration on September 30, 2025:

“The LRF provided $1.3 billion annually, totaling $6.5 billion over its five-year lifespan, to undertake nearly 400 priority infrastructure projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This landmark investment in our national parks and public lands delivered measurable results and improvements to critical park infrastructure, including road repairs, trail and campground upgrades, restoration of historic structures, rehabilitation of utility systems, and modernization of visitor facilities.”  

“These projects preserved America’s natural and historical legacy – uniquely American places that are the envy of the world. They enhanced access, improved safety, and elevated and modernized the visitor experience. In addition, the LRF’s investment delivered irrefutable economic impact, supporting more than 72,000 jobs, injecting $5 billion into the labor market nationwide, and contributing $8 billion to the nation’s GDP. These benefits have been felt most acutely by the local communities in every state and territory that surround and depend upon healthy, thriving parks.”

Oregon Parks Forever’s Executive Director, Seth Miller, said “As a statewide non-profit working to enhance the visitor experience and accessibility of all parks across Oregon, Oregon Parks Forever sees the critical need for – and the impact of – catching up on deferred maintenance across all of the federally managed parks in the state.”

Federal public land management agencies operating in Oregon who will benefit from the LRF include the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, the Army Corps of Engineers and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Of the nearly 60% of Oregon’s land that is owned by some government agency, approximately 53% of that is the federal government. The balance is owned by State and Local agencies.

Unfortunately, the LRF expired on September 30, 2025, and much work remains to keep our parks and public lands safe and accessible. While the LRF made sizable dents in the National Park Service’s (NPS) and other federal agencies maintenance needs, its reauthorization is essential if we are to sustain our national commitment to stewarding these cherished places.

Renewing the LRF will allow NPS and the other public lands bureaus to expand the impact of these landmark investments to date. By leveraging and improving upon the systems already in place, with a strong emphasis on support from national park partners and nonprofits to deploy dollars where needed, new LRF funding will be utilized quickly, efficiently, and effectively for the highest-need infrastructure projects across the country

 

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued letters to Secretaries of State nationwide, requesting details on the management of voter registration lists, with a warning of potential prosecution for non-compliance by Monday

Oregon’s Secretary of State, Tobias Read, confirmed receipt of the letter, emphasizing that county clerks actively manage voter rolls, routinely eliminating names that do not belong. He also noted that each ballot is equipped with unique bar codes, and signatures are verified to ensure that individuals are permitted to vote only once.

Other sources reveal hundreds of illegal voters are still on the voter rolls and an investigation by the DOJ will continue.

 

Biologists are raising concerns regarding a significant increase in whale fatalities along the West Coast.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, 2026 is projected to be among the most lethal years for whales in this region, which extends from California to Alaska.

To date, at least 51 whale deaths have been reported this year, and if this trend persists, 2026 could potentially rank as the second deadliest year for West Coast whales, following 2019, which recorded 122 whale deaths.

 

Small Town Store Wins with Oregon Lottery Bonus

R & R Grocery and Sporting Goods at 940 SE Combs Road in Prineville sold the winning ticket in the June 6, 2026 drawing. The prize winner is from Prineville and wanted to remain anonymous. Store owners Debi and Dennis Morton took over the store four years ago and say it’s the biggest win they’ve experienced. “I’ve been telling regulars, it’s our turn,” said Debi Morton. “So now, I’m telling everyone we’re going to concentrate on Scratch-its because we’re due for a big win there. I really believe that I manifested this.” 

R & R Grocery, known by locals for its homemade fried chicken, has been an Oregon Lottery retailer since 2005. The Mortons say they shared some of the bonus money with the store’s nine employees, made a charity donation, and the rest is being saved for future business expenses.

“Our goal is to make sure when people come to our store, they are happy when they leave,” she said. “If that’s with $3.2 million, then so be it.”Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world.

In April, two tickets matched the winning numbers and the $11.1 million Megabucks jackpot was split. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.  

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of a drawing to claim their prize. 

 

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks websiteto find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon.

Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

ODHS program waives tuition and fees for young people who have experienced homelessness

(Salem) – Young people in Oregon who have experienced homelessness and are pursuing higher education at eligible Oregon schools are eligible for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Tuition and Fee Waiver Program.

“College can feel out of reach for young people who have experienced homelessness, and this program tells them that Oregon knows their future is worth investing in,” said Matthew Rasmussen (he/him), manager of the ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

“The tuition and fee waiver program means opportunity,” said Bell Cambridge (she/her), a recipient of the waiver and member of YEHP’s Youth Action Board. “It is an opportunity to pursue a meaningful future and a career that I never thought possible for myself or others like me. For a long time, I believed I wasn’t able or worthy enough to get the chance to pursue higher education. This program changes that. It grants youth who have been disproportionately disadvantaged a genuine chance to break the cycle. By providing access to stability and opportunity, it represents an investment in my future and a validation that my abilities and potential are not limited by my circumstances.”

Who can apply

Young people under the age of 25 who experienced unaccompanied homelessness for at least six months between ages 14 and 24, and received services when they were 16 or older from a Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program partner are eligible to apply.

There is no deadline to apply, but applicants must also have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). They must also be enrolled in at least one course credit towards their undergraduate degree at an Oregon public university or community college and be in good academic standing.

How to apply

Visit the ODHS Resources for Youth Experiencing Homelessness webpage for more information about the waiver program and applications. Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Young people can also request help with the application from the ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

How it works

The waiver covers tuition for academic credit courses, mandatory enrollment fees, one-time fees, and course fees for students pursuing a two-year or four-year undergraduate degree at an Oregon public university or community college. It is a waiver of last resort, meaning it waives any tuition and fees remaining after all other federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships have been applied.

Some financial aid sources such as loans, the Chaffee Education and Training Grant, and non-tuition scholarships from sources outside of the college, will not reduce the amount of tuition and fees waived.

More information

More information can be found online at the ODHS Resources for Youth Experiencing Homelessness webpage:

The ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Tuition and Fee Waiver Program is made possible by House Bill 4013 passed during the 2022 Session of the Oregon Legislature.

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